Sansevieria Parva N.E.Br.
Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. is a perennial species of succulent plant that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. Originating from Southern Africa, the plant is commonly known as the tiny sansevieria or dwarf sansevieria. It is a desirable indoor houseplant that can grace any interiorscape with its elegant, green colored leaves.
General Appearance
Sansevieria parva is a small, tight clumping plant with erect stems that grow up to 10-20 cm tall. The leaves are dark green, pointed, narrow, and cylindrical, with a smooth, shiny surface. They typically grow up to a length of 10-15 cm and a width of just over 0.5 cm, forming dense clusters at the plant's base. The flower spikes are small and occasionally appear, usually in the summer season, followed by fruit capsules that contain black seeds.
Common Names
Sansevieria parva is commonly known as the tiny sansevieria or dwarf sansevieria. The plant has various other names referring to its different characteristics including Sansevieria cylindrica var. patula and Sansevieria hybrid cylindrica / concinna / parva.
Uses
Sansevieria parva is an excellent indoor plant that is ideal for growing in homes, offices, and other indoor environments. It is suitable for indirect sunlight and requires little water, making it an easy plant to care for. Sansevieria parva can be planted in pots or propagated through clump division. The plant is also popularly known for its air-purifying capabilities, it filters toxins and pollutants out of the air, making it an ideal plant for improving air quality in indoor settings.
Light requirements
The Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. generally thrives in bright light conditions. It can tolerate low light conditions for brief periods, but this may slow down its growth rate and affect the plant's overall health, thus it is recommended to place it in bright, indirect light. However, direct sun exposure may cause scorching of the leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant where it can receive bright light filtered through curtains, blinds, or other semi-transparent objects. The plant can also grow under fluorescent light conditions.
Temperature requirements
Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 18°C to 30°C during the day and 10°C to 21°C at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 4°C but may die if exposed to frost. At high temperatures, it may become dormant, stop growing actively, and produce long leaves that appear pale and stretched out.
Soil requirements
Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. A soil mix containing peat moss, sand, and perlite would provide a good balance of drainage, moisture retention, and aeration. The plant is prone to root rot in overly wet soil, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is neither waterlogged nor bone dry. A layer of pebbles or coarse sand at the bottom of the plant's container can help with drainage and prevent water from standing too long in the soil.
Cultivation of Sansevieria parva N.E.Br.
The Sansevieria parva N.E.Br., also called Tanzanian bowstring hemp, is an easy-to-care-for plant adaptable to different conditions. To cultivate it, choose a well-lit, warm place, protected from direct sunlight. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 18 to 30°C and can withstand relatively dry soils. The plant grows slowly but can reach up to 45cm in height.
Watering Needs
The Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. does not require frequent watering, and in fact, it can tolerate drought better than excess water. Overwatering can cause root rot and affect the plant's health. Water only when the soil is dry. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.
Fertilization
To keep the Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. healthy, fertilization is recommended but not essential. A biweekly application of general-purpose fertilizer diluted to half concentration can be useful during the growing season, spring and summer. Avoid fertilizer in winter.
Pruning
The Sansevieria parva N.E.Br. does not require regular pruning, but removing dry or damaged leaves can improve its appearance. Use sterilized scissors or a knife to cut them near the base. Pruning can also be useful to control the plant's size if it becomes too large for its location. It is best to prune in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Sansevieria parva N.E.Br.
Sansevieria parva N.E.Br., commonly known as Kenya Hyacinth or Kenya Bowstring Hemp, is a type of evergreen succulent plant characterized by its rosette-forming habit, cylindrical leaves, and attractive variegation. If you want to propagate this plant, the good news is that there are several methods you can follow.
Propagation by Division
The easiest and most common propagation method for Sansevieria parva is through division. You can divide the plant during the spring or summer months when it's actively growing. Carefully remove the plant from its container and separate the rhizomes (underground horizontal stems) into sections, making sure that each section has at least one healthy leaf and root system. Plant each division in a separate container with well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Propagation by Cuttings
Sansevieria parva can also be propagated by cuttings. To do this, select a healthy leaf, and cut it into 2- to 3-inch sections using a sterilized sharp knife or scissors. Let the cuttings dry for a few days until the cut ends callus over. Plant each cutting in a separate container filled with well-draining soil, burying the cut end about an inch into the soil. Water sparingly until roots develop, and new growth appears.
Propagation by Leaf Petioles
Another propagation method for Sansevieria parva is by leaf petioles. Cut off a few healthy leaf petioles from the plant's base, and plant them about an inch deep in a well-draining soil mix. Water sparingly until roots develop, and new growth appears.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is rare for Sansevieria parva because the plant doesn't produce many seeds. However, if you manage to get hold of some seeds, sow them in well-draining soil and moisten the soil periodically. It may take several months or more for the seeds to germinate, and the resulting plants may not be the same as the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Sansevieria parva N.E.Br.
Sansevieria parva N.E.Br., commonly known as small snake plant, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, certain conditions may cause the plant to become stressed and more susceptible to infestations. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that may affect Sansevieria parva and ways to manage them:
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can infest Sansevieria parva. They thrive in dry and dusty environments and can cause the leaves to yellow and appear speckled. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with soapy water and increase humidity by misting the plant regularly. If the infestation is severe, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that can attach themselves to the leaves and stem of Sansevieria parva. They suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt and lose vigor. Remove mealybugs manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticides such as neem oil.
Scale insects: Scale insects are slow-moving pests that attach themselves to the plant and appear as small, round bumps. They excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. Scale insects can be removed manually with a soft brush or treated with insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is a common problem in Sansevieria parva that results from overwatering and poor drainage. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn brown, and may eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency or repot the plant in a well-draining soil mix.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering and high humidity levels. It causes circular spots on the leaves that may turn yellow or brown. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. Increase air circulation and lower humidity levels by placing the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Stem rot: Stem rot is a bacterial and fungal disease that affects the stem of Sansevieria parva. It causes the stem to turn soft and mushy and may eventually lead to the death of the entire plant. To manage stem rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and avoid overwatering. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting water on the stem when watering.
By proper taking care of Sansevieria parva and implementing pest and disease management techniques, the plant can grow healthy and thrive indoors or outdoors.
